Why does the noun Messer have the article das?
This noun follows no general suffix rule — its gender is part of the core vocabulary you simply learn alongside the word.
Declension table for German noun Messer
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Messer | ein Messer | kein Messer |
| Akkusativ | das Messer | ein Messer | kein Messer |
| Dativ | dem Messer | einem Messer | keinem Messer |
| Nominativ | die Messer | Messer | keine Messer |
| Akkusativ | die Messer | Messer | keine Messer |
| Dativ | den Messern | Messern | keinen Messern |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Messer in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Das scharfe Messer ist neu.The sharp knife is new. | Ein großes Messer liegt hier.A large knife lies here. | Kein kleines Messer ist dort.No small knife is there. |
| Akkusativ | Ich brauche das scharfe Messer.I need the sharp knife. | Er kauft ein großes Messer.He buys a large knife. | Sie will kein kleines Messer.She doesn't want a small knife. |
| Dativ | Ich schneide mit dem scharfen Messer.I cut with the sharp knife. | Sie arbeitet mit einem großen Messer.She works with a large knife. | Er spielt mit keinem kleinen Messer.He plays with no small knife. |
| Nominativ | Die neuen Messer sind scharf.The new knives are sharp. | Scharfe Messer sind nützlich.Sharp knives are useful. | Keine alten Messer sind hier.No old knives are here. |
| Akkusativ | Wir sehen die neuen Messer.We see the new knives. | Ich habe scharfe Messer.I have sharp knives. | Er findet keine alten Messer.He finds no old knives. |
| Dativ | Ich gebe den neuen Messern Glanz.I give shine to the new knives. | Sie hilft alten Messern.She helps old knives. | Er spricht mit keinen kleinen Messern.He speaks with no small knives. |
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you might wonder about der, die, das — and the Der Artikel app.
Is it der, die, or das Messer?
It is das Messer. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Messer is neuter. You should always learn the article together with the noun to ensure your German grammar is correct.
What CEFR level is the word Messer?
The German noun Messer is categorized as Elementary (A2) vocabulary. It is considered an essential word for learners at this level.
What is the plural of das Messer?
The plural form of das Messer is die Messer. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”
What does das Messer mean in English?
The German word das Messer translates to “knife” in English.
How do you decline das Messer?
Like all German nouns, Messer changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: das Messer
- Akkusativ: das Messer
- Dativ: dem Messer
These changes are necessary because German uses cases to indicate the noun’s role in a sentence (such as the subject or object). Knowing these forms allows you to build grammatically correct sentences.
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